A Prayer for the Lost

What would happen if we turned our prayers to those who don't know Jesus yet, in our communities and in the world? How would our hearts change if we allowed God to break our hearts for them?

In the midst of my political posts lately that might have some poignant comments you either strongly agree or disagree with, I hope you recognize one thread that we (believers) should all agree with.

God’s priority is to draw all His children to Him, and our greatest priority as Christ-followers is to honor God and make disciples who know and follow God.

This prayer, after the prayer of unity from Jesus Himself (John 17), should be the most prominent prayer in our daily lives. But it’s often on the far back burner if we’re honest. My hope for you and me is that we will begin to prioritize the prayer for those who don’t know God to come to know His lovingkindness and trust Him with their lives.

I pray your heart breaks for those far from God the way God’s heart breaks over the distance from His children.

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Dear God,

I recognize the privilege I have to know you, hold your Word in my hand, and study and understand your Word in my language. As I consider the state of our nation, I know there are far too many people who don’t truly know you. There are likely even more who are convinced they know you and love you but certainly haven’t been transformed by your love.

Beyond our borders, God, I know millions of your children haven’t even had the opportunity to hear the good news. I pray that this will impact my heart every day so that the Spirit will remind me to pray for those whose names are written on your heart but who are still far from you.

Jesus, you are the Good Shepherd who leaves the 99 to go after the 1. The way your heart is turned toward those who do not know you is awe-inspiring, and I desire to care as deeply as you do.

“I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who have no need of repentance.” Luke 15:7 (Parable of the Lost Sheep)

Slow my mind down enough throughout the day to see those in my life or community who need you and don’t know you so that I may find a way to reach out to them as You would.

I pray specifically for our cities that are under the rule of our modern culture that encourages everyone to “live your truth”. Jesus, as you felt when you walked into Jerusalem, I feel the weight of the lost all around me—those searching for peace in all the wrong places when your presence is so accessible.

"When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it, saying, 'If you had known on this day, even you, the conditions for peace! But now they have been hidden from your eyes.'” Luke 19:41-42

Lord, you are sovereign. You are good. You care deeply about every human heart, and I desire to see peace in our world through the means of people coming to know you and placing their trust in you.

Let your kingdom come, your will be done.
On earth, as it is in Heaven.

May I be a witness of your goodness to those who are far from you through the daily work I do and the people I may meet or interact with. May this rise in my heart as a priority to spread the good news of your love wherever you grant me the ability to do so.

Amen.